jewishatl, Author at Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta

jewishatl In Atlanta Jewish Community, Caring

What We Learned About COVID Safety

Making Jewish Atlanta Safe Again
By Jeffrey A. Gopen, Chief Operating Officer Jewish HomeLife

In May, the CDC reported 84% of US adults 65+ have gotten at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 71.9% have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Cases in nursing homes as of June have dropped to less than one per thousand from a high of 31 per thousand in December 2020.

As much as this pandemic cost our organization financially, emotionally, and physically, Jewish HomeLife continues to support community-wide efforts to make Jewish Atlanta safe again. With over 85% of our staff and 95% of our residents vaccinated across all our residential communities, the vaccine, along with our other safety measures, has allowed us to achieve nearly full immunity. Consistent with our mission, we want to help Jewish Atlanta get there as well.

Jewish HomeLife can now take our expertise and once again share it with you. We are the only senior care organization in Atlanta with the ability to self-vaccinate any new residents, staff, and families on demand. As a new vaccination site, we intend to assist our community partners. From preschools and camps to shuls and schools, Jewish HomeLife can help everyone in our community return to normalcy. This allows us to continue our mission of getting to 100% vaccination rates for our residents, clients, patients, and staff.

Thanks to Federation and generous community support, Jewish HomeLife was able to spare no expense to protect our own residents and staff while offering access and expertise to Jewish organizations throughout Atlanta. When personal protective equipment (PPE) was in short supply, Jewish HomeLife provided access to our own strained supply chain so shuls and schools could safely set up their new virtual models.

When access to testing was a challenge, our ability to move mountains with our local lab once again afforded access to synagogues, day schools, camps, and other Jewish organizations to provide fast and accurate testing so they could reopen safely. Most recently, after months of waiting for our application to be processed, Jewish HomeLife finally received federal approval to administer vaccines.

I am in my third decade of serving the aging, first as a physical therapist, then as a nursing home administrator, operations director, and now in my fourth year as Chief Operating Officer of Jewish HomeLife. As a clinician and a business leader, the most important aspect of what we do is staying true to our mission – supporting all stages of The Aging Journey. Our community can be proud that its support of its own Jewish senior care organization makes us all safer.

jewishatl In Jewish Education Collaborative

No More “Doing Things the Old Way”

No More “Doing Things the Old Way”
By Rabbi Elana Perry, Dir. Jewish Education Collaborative

The old narrative of “doing things the way they’ve always been done” is long gone in Atlanta. Watch for new and exciting programs coming to supplemental Jewish education this fall!

Four synagogue education teams, comprised of educators, clergy, and lay leaders, recently completed the “Leadership, Vision, and Change” cohort experience, which was designed and facilitated by the Jewish Education Collaborative of Greater Atlanta. This eight-month program propelled organizations forward, embracing exciting and compelling Jewish learning, managing change, and strengthening leadership skills. As a result of their work, each team is preparing to launch a new innovative educational program in the fall.
Connecting families to other families and deepening learning for all ages was elevated throughout the pandemic, and it continues to be a priority for several religious schools.

Temple Kol Emeth is launching a fresh family engagement strategy, including increased grade-level family education programs, new family Shabbat experiences, a twice-monthly alternative virtual program for family learning with the Rabbi, and a family retreat. Temple Beth Tikvah is expanding their “Sababa” program, weaving joyous, school-wide family learning experiences into the fabric of their year. Temple Sinai has a new alternative family track called “B’Yachad.”

Rachel Moldovan, Director of Youth Learning and Engagement at Temple Sinai, says, “Our community is craving connection! We are looking forward to building community among our Sinai families – including the entire family – with our new B’Yachad program. Students get the best of both worlds with this alternative program, engaging in peer-to-peer learning on Sundays and participating in family learning and community building experiences on Shabbat.”

In addition to these exciting opportunities for increased family learning and engagement, Congregation Or Hadash will implement an entirely new B’nai Mitzvah program, which spans grades 4-9 and lengthens the arc of engagement for learners.

Educational leaders have been listening to the needs of their students and families, and each of them has a different creative response. As a result, religious school families can look forward to fresh new ways for Jewish learning to come alive!

jewishatl In AgeWell Atlanta, Atlanta Jewish Community, Caring, Young Leadership Division

They Clicked from the First Phone Call

Brian M., who lives near the JF&CS office in Dunwoody, stopped in at the beginning of the pandemic and asked how he might be of help. He filled out a volunteer application and was directed to Vivienne Kurland, Program Coordinator of One Good Deed, JF&CS’ friendly visitor program supporting older adults.

His timing was terrific. One Good Deed was quickly pivoting to a Phone Friend Program connecting volunteers with older adults who were at heightened risk of loneliness and isolation due to COVID-19 guidelines.

Sharon Spiegelman, One Good Deed’s Program Manager, and her partner Vivienne Kurland, had a match in mind. They had met with a man named Leonard shortly before the pandemic and had a good feeling about Brian and Leonard being a great match.

To quote Brian, “This was a friendship that clicked from the first call!”

The pair quickly established a close bond around a common interest — sports. “We’d recap what happened in sports, with no judgments, no matter what teams we root for.” After a FaceTime call, Leonard said, “I get a vicarious thrill out of hearing what you’re doing at your job.”

As soon as both Brian and Leonard were both fully vaccinated, they arranged to meet. Brian had previously said on a FaceTime call, “I look forward to the day when it’s safe enough to meet in person.”

Now it’s happening! So far, the pair have enjoyed lunch together and a tour of Tucker, where Leonard lives. Brian reciprocated with an incredible treat for Leonard who had not been to a baseball game in four years — he got tickets to a Braves game, and they sat right behind the dugout, where both enjoyed complimentary food and beverages!

Learn more about supporting an older adult through One Good Deed. We also celebrate Sharon Spiegelman who is retiring from the program she managed and sustained for more than 15 years. Thank you, Sharon!

jewishatl In Global News

Making Israel Real for Teens

Jewish educators are constantly searching for ways to engage students in discovering their Jewish identity and connecting with the land and people of Israel. There is agreement that one of the most impactful way to link Jewish teens with their Jewish identity is having them spend extended time in Israel. Taking a gap year, between high school graduation and the start of college, is an ideal time.

This past year, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta in partnership with JumpSpark Atlanta, offered a gap year scholarship opportunity created by the Zalik Family Foundation. The scholarships can be applied to a wide selection of programs facilitated by the Jewish Agency, and coordinated by an organization called Masa Israel Journey.

Twenty-five students from around Atlanta have received grants of $10,000 to help subsidize the cost of their gap year program. An additional $5,000 scholarship was awarded to students who commit to serving the community upon their return. In a new twist, Federation is offering a new gap year option called Shinshinim IL bringing an Atlanta teen to volunteer in the Yokneam community for a year.

Michal Ilai, Director of Israel Programs at the Weber School, helped recruit students for gap year experiences. She said, “Masa is a provider of many fine gap year opportunities each with a slightly different way to authentically engage students in Israel. Some programs are focused on academics, others are more experiential offering tiyulim (trips) around the country. But every avenue leads to the same destination — deepening Jewish identity while getting to really know Israel. There is a gap year for every kind of teen, and I was lucky to have been the matchmaker this past year. I hope this scholarship will be offered to Atlanta high school graduates for years to come.”

Rebecca Lewyn, a Weber graduate and scholarship recipient, is looking forward to leaving for Israel. “I am so excited to be participating. It feels good to know my Federation supports a very important cause and helps send kids to Israel who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity.” Lewyn will join Young Judea Year Course, a well-established and popular gap year program that has been attracting teens from all over the world since the 1950’s.

Daniel Landis is a Chamblee Charter High School graduate who also received the scholarship. He chose a program with a technology track in which students intern in Tel Aviv tech companies. When asked what he wanted to get out of the experience, he immediately said “I want to gain a lot of new skills, explore my Jewish heritage and make new connections.”

Leah Stock-Landis, Daniel’s mother, is extremely thankful for the scholarship. “From the beginning stage, all the information provided, and continuous support made us feel that somebody was looking for what was the best fit for Daniel.” He’ll be part of a program that takes students to Poland to visit concentration camps. This is of particular importance to the Landis family, as Daniel’s grandfather was a Holocaust survivor.

A local family whose daughter recently returned from her gap year program, shared their excitement about the initiative. “Israel is very important to us, so it was a given that our daughter would go on a gap year program. We wish we had this level of guidance at the time we looked at the options. In addition to the incredible scholarship, the help to Atlanta families with selecting the appropriate program is a tremendous service,” the father shared.

jewishatl In AgeWell Atlanta, Atlanta Jewish Community, Caring, People in Need

Expanded Emergency Services for Georgia and Regional Holocaust Survivors

We are excited to share that Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta and JF&CS have become KAVOD SHEF initiative partners. The additional KAVOD SHEF funding will help meet the needs of survivors in Georgia and the Southeast region primarily for home care needs. It will be administered by JF&CS and will supplement Claims Conference funding and the impactful work of the Holocaust Survivor Support Fund (HSSF) improving the lives of survivors who need assistance.

Since 2016, Federation’s Holocaust Survivor Support Fund (HSSF), under the leadership of Cherie Aviv, has provided funding to address shortfalls from the Claims Conference to meet the needs of survivors in their final years. These funds provide survivors with grocery food gift cards, home-delivered meals, medical/dental-related needs, homecare, emergency assistance, and more in Georgia and remote locations in the Southeast.

There are 160 survivors in Georgia, and 58 in the regional program, who receive some type of financial assistance from the Claims Conference and/or HSSF funding. More than 25 percent of survivors receiving support have annual incomes that fall below the Federal Poverty Level.

Home care continues to be the most needed service and the costliest and additional help is now coming for survivors in Georgia and the Southeast region. The Seed the Dream Foundation has partnered with KAVOD, a long-time advocate for survivors, to establish the KAVOD Survivors of the Holocaust Emergency Fund (SHEF). KAVOD SHEF exponentially multiplies the dollars and vital services directly reaching survivors and ensuring their dignity and quality of living.

jewishatl In Jewish Camp Initiative

MJCCA Day Camps — The Smiles are Even Bigger

If it’s possible, the smiles are even bigger, the laughs even louder, and the joy even more palpable at MJCCA Day Camps this summer. Campers are loving every activity and type of camp, from zip lining, coding, archery, tennis, and boating to swimming, performing arts, fishing, cooking, and gymnastics. They are connecting with friends, trying new things, making new friends, and showing off their ruach (spirit) as they get back to making lifelong memories after a challenging year.

“As we all know, COVID-19 created formidable challenges, and we are grateful for the significant financial support and expert guidance regarding navigating this pandemic that we received from the Federation in meeting those challenges,” said Jared Powers, CEO, MJCCA. “It was paramount for us to pivot to ensure a transformative, meaningful, and safe summer for all our campers. I wish everyone could witness the magic that is happening every minute of every day at MJCCA Day Camps. We are impacting lives and building lifetime connections. There is truly nothing like it.”

For the Day Camps team, ensuring a continuation of impactful programing, even during the pandemic, has been the top priority. From planning last summer’s vital Summer Days @ the J, to innovating the school year’s Club J Your Way, they continually monitored and evaluated all public health guidelines and adjusted accordingly with health and safety as the top priority.

Though some aspects of camp are different, like masks indoors and cohorts, the fun and adventure is more evident, and maybe even more important. There is also much that is new, like a climbing tower and zip line, full archery range, and theme camps including Delicious Disney, Extreme Art, and Video Game Builders.

After a year unlike any other, MJCCA Day Camps is thrilled to bring the magic of summer to hundreds of campers this summer.

jewishatl In Atlanta Jewish Community, Caring, Jewish Abilities Atlanta

Atlanta Innovates Again: World’s First Inclusive Melton Program

The Florence Melton School is the largest adult Jewish learning program in the world. Atlanta’s Melton program, part of the Lisa F. Brill Institute for Jewish Learning at the MJCCA, has one of the largest enrollments in North America. So, leave it to Atlanta to pioneer the world’s first inclusive Melton class that brings adults with and without disabilities together to learn virtually.

The unique, inclusive, Melton curriculum, called Members of the Tribe (MOT) is in its second semester with an enrollment of 17 students. It has been hailed as a ground-breaking effort to break barriers in adult education. Discussions are underway with the Florence Melton School Institute at Hebrew University about replicating the local Atlanta adaptation of the curriculum worldwide.

“We would never have had this class without guidance and support from the Jewish Abilities Alliance of Atlanta (JAA),” said Talya Gorsetman, who runs adult learning at the MJCCA. “JAA introduced us to Jay Kessler who helped it. Even more crucially, JAA has guided us about the nuances of inclusive language and other best practices when working with people of diverse abilities. Our teachers have also been wonderful, and we are so proud that this curriculum is going global.”

As for Jay Kessler, this longtime Jewish advocate in Atlanta for people with disabilities is both a cheerleader and recruiter who attends every class. “When Talya Gorsetman first told me about the class, I knew it had the unique potential to connect people with disabilities to people without disabilities,” Kessler said. “Every time I attend class, I am inspired. Devorah Lowenstein, this semester’s teacher asked the class, ‘what’s precious to you?’ A student named Rachel Gray, who has Down syndrome said, ‘My soul is precious to me, because my soul teaches me how to talk to God.’ “The Rebbe himself couldn’t have said it better.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE JEWISH ABILITIES ALLIANCE

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jewishatl In Jewish Abilities Atlanta

JAA Wins Grants & Makes Grants

The Jewish Abilities Alliance (JAA) is the proud recipient of a $15,000 grant from the Holly Lane Foundation. The funding will support JAA’s work to amplify inclusion for people with disabilities and will prioritize the implementation of recommendations from its recent Matan Community Study. The study was conducted in 2020 and included extensive fact-finding from caregivers, self-advocates, and other community disability leaders.

Annie Garrett, JAA Manager said, “We’re working to align the community with a shared and singular vision of disability inclusion. Part of our work is supporting local inclusion efforts through microgrants. In a conventional year, we award about $15,000 in microgrants, but because of the pandemic we rolled funding over and were able to grant out more than $19,000 to advance inclusion in 2021.”

Temple Beth David – Sensory Learning Enhancement Through Art & Music

Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta – Community Meetings Closed Captioning

Limmud Atlanta – ASL Interpreting Services for LimmudFest

MJCCA Preschool – Sensory Equipment for the Classroom

Ahavath Achim Synagogue – Flexible Seating

Creating Connected Communities – Supporting Social-Emotional Needs of CCC Buddies

Hebrew Order of David – Accessible Shuttle Services for Kosher BBQ Festival

Congregation B’nai Torah – Sensory Tools of Inclusion

Temple Sinai – Shalom Station

Temple Emanu-El – Project ICE

jewishatl In Federation Innovation

2021 Propel Grantee Spotlight

Federation Innovation is committed to providing guidance, connections, and resources to Jewish Atlanta’s changemakers. One of the biggest ways we fulfill our mission is investing significant, early-stage funding (known as Propel grants) to new projects, methods, and ideas addressing our community’s biggest needs. We are thrilled to announce new Propel grants to:

Atlanta Jews of Color Council (AJOCC): Led by Victoria Raggs, this new organization advocates for Atlanta’s Jews of Color (JOCs) to provide mentorship, talent development opportunities, volunteer stewardship, and more for marginalized communities.
The Breman Museum: Led by Jeremy Katz, The Breman Museum is expanding their state-of-the-art online platform for cataloging and sharing the extensive oral history archives for Jewish Atlanta.
JScreen Cancer Screening: Led by Karen Grinzaid, JScreen is expanding services to identify BRCA and other cancer-enabling genes so patients can take life-saving preventatives steps.
Ma’alot: Led by Rabbi Ariel Wolpe, this emergent spiritual community provides a welcoming, progressive, local, and affordable Jewish gathering space for young and unaffiliated community members.
PJ Library Atlanta: Led by Nathan Brodsky, PJ Library is expanding their pilot micro-grant program to create more grassroots engagement opportunities for young families throughout Jewish Atlanta.
Political Leaders of Tomorrow (PLOT): Lead by Dr. John Eaves, this initiative will connect Jewish and Black students from two different college campuses to educate and inspire more active political leadership in our youngest emerging leaders.

We are excited to invite this group of changemakers into our Propel cohort for FY22. If you are interested in learning more about any of these projects or organizations, please reach out to our Director of Innovation, Russell Gottschalk.

jewishatl In Atlanta Jewish Community, Jewish Camp Initiative

Elated Parents, Happy Kids

The much-anticipated re-opening of Jewish camps for summer 2021 is happening in full force! Duffle bags are being packed. Names are being written on everything, even masks! Staff is on site at all of our regional overnight camps, and campers have begun to arrive. Our Jewish day camps are bursting with energy.

Jewish Camp Initiative Manager, Melissa Scholten-Gutierrez, has been joyful and even a little teary to see so many kids returning to camp or going for the first time. “A year ago, we had no idea what the future of Jewish camping looked like. And now, our camps are filled with campers and staff ready to dive back in and re-engage with this amazing immersive summer experience.”

But don’t just take our word for it, hear from parents and professionals who are witnessing Summer 2021’s glorious reopening first-hand:

A Camp Barney Mom:
Michelle Michelman, who grew up in New Orleans, is a Camp Barney Medintz alumna. Not surprisingly, her older daughter Ava, 11 has spent three fabulous summers at Barney and was heartbroken over last summer’s shut-down. “Ava talked about camp all year long in incredible detail — Shabbat, the ‘Blob,’ and her favorite activities. When she felt down about missing camp, she just texted her friends. We dropped Ava off last weekend and her younger sister Liza will be at Barney later this summer for a 10-day session for younger kids.”

“I have no anxiety about my girls being at camp this summer in regards to COVID-19 or their general safety. Going through Hurricane Katrina taught me a lot about coming through on the other side. Our camps have spent a lot of time and planning to ensure our kids have a safe summer.

To me, camp is a remarkable skill-building, growing experience — it’s everything! I jokingly tell the kids, ‘We will eat ramen noodles in order to send you to camp.’ It’s that important.”

Day Camp Parent:
Gabby Sirner-Cohen, said, “What a relief it was to drop off my little guy at In the City Camps on Monday morning. Their COVID protocols eased my nerves, and the warm, friendly staff eased my son’s nerves.”

A Camp Director:
Danny Herz, Director of URJ 6 Points Sports Academy says: “Being back on campus brings such great anticipation for a wonderful summer ahead of transformative Jewish experiences. The energy is palpable, and I cannot wait to see the smiles on faces and the excitement amongst our staff and faculty after almost two years of being away! We are thrilled to be able to have our community of Jewish athletes be whole and together once again!”

A Camp Counselor Parent:
Gayle Smith said, “My daughter Gabrielle is up at Ramah Darom right now for staff training. We moved to Atlanta from Memphis while she was still in high school, and this is her first time going to a Jewish overnight camp. Gabrielle was lucky to get active in BBYO here and it connected her to a great group of Jewish girls who were going to be counselors this summer. She said, ‘I want this.’ Our family has moved quite a bit and Gabrielle’s exposure to Jewish life has been up and down, but it has really expanded since we moved to Atlanta.”

“I’m excited for her and thrilled that she chose to work at camp, all on her own, right before going to college. Her brother Ethan, 12 will be a first-time camper at Ramah for second session and we’re so grateful for the One Happy Camper grant that’s getting him there.”